Police Support Volunteers

Sharing your time and skills to support policing in Leicestershire and Rutland

You could play a vital role in helping us deliver and improve the service we provide to communities across the Leicestershire Police area. Our volunteer programme provides additional support to our policing activities and is a way of helping to improve our communities.

If you have some spare time to donate, we can provide opportunities to help you learn new skills and make a difference in your area.

What are volunteers?

The Home Office describes a volunteer as someone "who commits time and energy for the benefit of society, the community, environment and/or individuals, undertaking this freely and by choice, without concern for financial gain."

A Leicestershire Police support volunteer is someone who, through personal choice, commits time and energy to perform a task at the direction and on behalf of Leicestershire Police.

They agree to do this without expectation of compensation or financial reward, except for the payment of pre-determined out of pocket expenses.

There is no obligation on either side; when an individual agrees to take on the role of volunteer, no contract of employment is created. Either party may cancel the agreement at any time signifying the termination of the volunteer’s role. All volunteers are asked to sign a Volunteer Agreement document that sets out these general principles

In addition, all volunteers are required to sign forms agreeing to the principles of Data Protection and the Official Secrets Act.

How do volunteers help?

Our volunteer roles are designed to enhance the work of our officers and staff and give extra support to local communities. They help police officers and staff who are then able to concentrate on core policing duties, which means officers can spend more on their neighbourhoods working with their communities.

How does it work in Leicestershire Police?

We apply a policy of equal opportunity and our aim is to ensure we treat our staff and volunteers fairly.

Volunteers and the work they carry out is not to replace employees; the underlying principle of the agreement is that volunteers compliment and support staff roles. Being a volunteer provides a unique opportunity for individuals to use their skills, experience and local knowledge to make a positive contribution in their community by supporting the work we do.

Volunteers will be given resources to carry out their role effectively and we will ensure, through induction and training, they are properly integrated into the organisation.

Who can volunteer?

You must be aged 16 or over. A security vetting check will be carried out and will take into consideration yourself and those you associate with.

Your application may not be accepted if there is a conflict of interest in your professional life or another volunteering role and you will be subject to the same criteria as our staff members.

As part of your application you are asked to disclose the nature of your employment and details of any other voluntary work you may do. There are some restrictions on who can be a volunteer:

Barred professions

Private Detectives and Enquiry Agents

Security Officers, Guards and Door Staff

Members of Private Constabularies

Considered on a case by case basis

Magistrates, Clerks to justices and Clerks to court

Probation officers

Bailiffs

Warrant Officers

Holders of liquor licences and Managers of licensed houses

Licensees of betting/gaming premises

Civilian Detention Officers (employed by police authorities)

Custody Officers and Custody Escort Officers

Traffic Wardens

Allowed with no restrictions

Neighbourhood Wardens

Members of full-time Fire Service

Members of the Armed Forces

How do I apply?

If you are interested in volunteering for Leicestershire Police please download and complete an application form. Please indicate which volunteer role you wish to apply for and your preferred location.

You will then be invited to attend an informal interview and you must give the names of two referees who are prepared to provide a character reference for your suitability for the role.

In addition you are required to have a security vetting check before you can be accepted into the scheme.

This process can take up to three month and if you are successful, you will be offered a suitable volunteer opportunity.